Your Guide to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is one of the city’s signature spring events, transforming Piedmont Park into a massive showcase of art, music, food, and family activities. If you live in Atlanta, are planning a visit, or just want to understand how it works locally, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of your time.

What Is the Atlanta Dogwood Festival?

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a free, annual spring festival held in Piedmont Park, usually in April, during the dogwood bloom season.

• Location: Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta
  Main entrance area: around 10th Street NE & Charles Allen Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Cost: General admission is typically free; certain attractions, VIP areas, and activities may cost extra.
• Focus: Fine arts, live entertainment, food, and family-friendly fun.

For many Atlanta residents, it’s a yearly tradition—part arts festival, part neighborhood block party, and part city-wide picnic.

When the Dogwood Festival Usually Happens

Dates vary each year, but you can expect:

• Season: Mid-to-late April
• Duration: A full weekend (usually Friday–Sunday)
• Hours:
  • Friday: Afternoon into evening
  • Saturday: Morning through evening
  • Sunday: Morning through late afternoon or early evening

Because it’s outdoors and weather-dependent, heavy rain or storms may affect schedules. It’s smart to check the latest details the week of the event, especially if you’re traveling from outside the city or bringing kids.

Where It’s Held and How the Park Is Set Up

Main Festival Area

The festival spans much of Piedmont Park, mainly:

• Around the Meadow, Active Oval, and Lake Clara Meer
• Near park entrances off 10th Street, Charles Allen Drive, and 14th Street

You’ll find:

• Artist booths lined along pathways
• Food vendors near high-traffic hubs
• Music stages in open lawn areas
• Kids’ area and rides clustered together for families

The park becomes very busy, especially Saturday afternoon, so plan your routes and meeting spots with anyone you’re attending with.

Getting to the Dogwood Festival

By MARTA (Recommended)

For many Atlanta residents, MARTA is the easiest way to get to the festival, given tight parking in Midtown.

• Nearest station:Midtown Station (Red/Gold line)
• From Midtown Station:
  • Walk east along 10th Street NE about 10–15 minutes directly to Piedmont Park’s 10th Street entrance.

You can also use Arts Center Station, but most festival-goers find Midtown Station more direct.

By Car

Driving is possible, but expect:

• Heavy traffic around Midtown during event hours
• Limited street parking and increased enforcement
• Nearby paid garages may be available around:
  • 10th Street / Midtown commercial corridors
  • Peachtree Street NE near offices and residential towers
  • Some residents may offer private yard/driveway parking in nearby neighborhoods for a fee.

If you must drive:

• Arrive early in the day for better chances at parking.
• Be considerate of residential parking restrictions in Virginia-Highland, Midtown, and Ansley Park.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare drop-offs often work best near:

• 10th St NE & Charles Allen Drive NE
• 14th St NE & Piedmont Ave NE

Be prepared to walk a few blocks due to temporary street closures and traffic controls.

What You’ll Find at the Festival

Fine Arts and Artist Market

One of the biggest draws is the juried artist market, featuring artists from Atlanta and beyond. Common categories include:

• Painting & mixed media
• Photography
• Ceramics & sculpture
• Jewelry & wearable art
• Woodwork & metalwork

If you’re an Atlanta local looking for original artwork for your home, condo, or office, this is a practical place to see a wide range of styles in one afternoon.

📝 Tip: Many artists accept credit cards and digital payments, but carry a bit of cash just in case.

Live Music and Entertainment

The Dogwood Festival typically features:

• Multiple stages with rotating performances
• Local bands, regional artists, and community groups
• Music genres ranging from rock and pop to jazz, R&B, and acoustic sets

Locals often bring:

• Blankets or low-profile chairs for the lawn
• Snacks and water (respecting any posted rules)

Expect larger crowds and a more energetic vibe later in the day, especially on Saturday evening.

Food, Drinks, and Festival Treats

Food is a big part of the experience, with options that often include:

• Classic festival foods: Corn dogs, funnel cakes, turkey legs, lemonade
• Southern and Atlanta favorites: Barbecue, wings, specialty fries
• International foods: Varies year to year (tacos, gyros, Asian fusion, etc.)
• Desserts: Ice cream, shaved ice, sweets

Alcohol sales may be available in designated areas, and ID checks are common.

If you have dietary restrictions, options vary by vendor; checking menus and asking questions directly at booths is usually the simplest approach.

Kids’ and Family Activities

The festival is generally family-friendly, especially during daytime hours. You may find:

• Rides and inflatables (often ticketed)
• Games and activity zones
• Arts and crafts opportunities

Parents in Atlanta often:

• Come earlier in the day for a less crowded experience
• Bring strollers, but be prepared for uneven ground and grassy areas
• Pack sunscreen, hats, and water, as shade can be limited on busy days

Quick Overview: What to Expect at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Planning Your Visit as an Atlanta Local

When Should You Go?

For comfort and lower stress:

• Friday evening: Good for locals wanting music and a more laid-back crowd than Saturday.
• Saturday morning: Best mix of vendors open but smaller crowds.
• Sunday: Often somewhat calmer than Saturday, but still busy in the afternoon.

If you prefer to avoid the busiest times, skip mid-afternoon Saturday.

What to Bring

Consider packing:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk a lot on grass and paths)
• Refillable water bottle (check current festival rules about outside beverages)
• Sunscreen and hat
• Blanket or low lawn chair for music areas
• Small bag or backpack (subject to security checks if any are in place)

Avoid large coolers or bulky items that are hard to carry through crowds.

Accessibility Considerations

Piedmont Park has:

• Paved paths accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
• Grassy areas that may be more challenging after rain
• Hilly sections in certain parts of the park

If accessibility is a priority, plan routes along the main paved walkways and allow extra time to navigate crowds.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for the Festival

For out-of-town visitors, the Dogwood Festival can anchor a Midtown-focused weekend.

Nearby you’ll find:

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail entrances within walking distance
• Restaurants along 10th Street NE, Piedmont Avenue NE, and Monroe Drive NE
• Midtown attractions a short ride away, such as:
  • High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
  • Center for Puppetry Arts (1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309)

Staying in a hotel or short-term rental in Midtown, Virginia-Highland, or Old Fourth Ward makes it easy to walk or bike to the festival and avoid parking issues.

Local Tips to Make the Most of the Dogwood Festival

• Arrive early: The earlier you come, the easier it is to browse art and move around.
• Map a meeting spot: Cell service can slow down with large crowds; choose a visible landmark in the park.
• Browse art first, relax later: Shop the artist market when you’re fresh, then shift to food and music.
• Check pet rules: Piedmont Park is famously dog-friendly, but festivals can be loud and hot for pets. Verify current festival pet policies and consider your dog’s comfort level.
• Watch the weather: Atlanta spring days can switch quickly from sunny to stormy; keep a light rain layer on hand if the forecast looks questionable.

Who Puts On the Festival and Who to Contact

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is typically organized by a local nonprofit organization focused on arts and community events in Atlanta. For the latest information on:

• Exact dates and hours
• Artist applications
• Vendor or volunteer opportunities
• Specific rules on bags, pets, or outside food

Look for the official Atlanta Dogwood Festival contact information or administrative office listings associated with the event. You can also reach out to:

Piedmont Park Conservancy
400 Park Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 875-7275

While the Conservancy does not run every event in the park, staff can often direct residents and visitors to the appropriate festival organizers or resources for park-related questions.

Is the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Right for You?

You’ll likely enjoy the Atlanta Dogwood Festival if you:

• Appreciate local and regional art
• Like outdoor live music and a festival atmosphere
• Don’t mind crowds and city energy
• Want a low-cost weekend activity within the city

For Atlanta residents, it’s a convenient way to celebrate spring, see new artists, and enjoy Piedmont Park in full bloom. For visitors, it’s a snapshot of Midtown’s culture, creativity, and community in a single weekend.